FAQ
B2B Platform Operational Guide by Ospito Consorzio a r.l.
Welcome to the Matching Apulia B2B Marketplace Support Center. Below you will find detailed technical and operational answers regarding account management, reservation workflows, inventory distribution, and financial settlements on our platform.
1. ACCOUNT & REGISTRATION
Who can register on the Matching Apulia B2B platform?
Access to the platform is strictly reserved for verified tourism professionals operating within or incoming to the South-East Bari territory. This includes Accommodation Providers (Hotels, Masserie, Trulli, B&Bs, Apartments), Tour Operators, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), Travel Agencies, and licensed Transport Providers (NCC/Bus companies).
How do I activate my corporate account?
To join the network, you must complete the online registration form providing your company details, tax credentials (VAT/Partita IVA), and valid operational licenses. Every registration is audited by the Ospito Consorzio technical committee within 24–48 hours to ensure compliance with quality and legal standards. Once approved, you will receive your encrypted login credentials.
Is there a registration or subscription fee?
No. Registration and access to the Matching Apulia B2B interface are completely free for certified operators. The platform works on a performance-based model or via direct contract agreements depending on your membership status with Ospito Consorzio.
2. BOOKING WORKFLOW & INVENTORY
How does the booking system operate?
Matching Apulia utilizes an instantaneous distribution engine. Inventory is divided into three distinct verticals: Accommodations, Tours & Experiences, and Transfers. Buyers can search real-time availability and pool these services together to create customized, dynamically packaged itineraries for their clients.
Are the bookings instantly confirmed?
Instant Confirmation: The majority of services (especially those synced via API or Channel Managers) are processed with instant confirmation. Once the checkout process is completed, the reservation is final.
On-Request Bookings: Certain specialized tours or complex logistics may be listed as "On Request." For these services, the supplier has a maximum of 24 hours to accept or decline the booking request.
Can I modify or cancel a confirmed reservation?
Yes. Modifications and cancellations can be managed directly through your operator dashboard under the "My Bookings" section. However, all changes are governed by the specific cancellation policies applied by the target supplier at the moment of booking.
3. RATES, TAXES & PAYMENTS
What rate types are available on the platform?
The platform displays clear, net corporate rates or commissionable gross rates based on the specific B2B commercial agreements established between the buyer, the supplier, and Ospito Consorzio. Rates are clearly categorized into Refundable and Non-Refundable policies.
Are VAT (IVA) and local City Taxes included in the prices?
VAT (IVA): In compliance with Italian fiscal regulations, all displayed prices include the applicable Italian Value Added Tax (typically 10% for accommodation and passenger transport, 22% for agencies/activities).
Tourist Tax (Imposta di Soggiorno): Municipal tourist taxes are not included in the platform total. As mandated by local Italian municipal codes, this tax must be collected directly from the final guests at the property during check-in or check-out.
What payment methods are supported?
Transactions are secured via an advanced, PSD2-compliant payment gateway utilizing Strong Customer Authentication (SCA). The platform supports major credit cards, corporate cards, and pre-authorized B2B digital wallet systems. For long-term contracting partners, bank transfer settlements (bonifico bancario) can be configured upon approval by our administrative department.
4. SUPPLIER INTEGRATION & TECHNOLOGY
How can I synchronize my accommodation inventory?
Matching Apulia supports seamless XML/API integration with major Channel Managers and Property Management Systems (PMS). This ensures that your rates, close-outs, allocation limits, and availability restrictions are synchronized in real-time, eliminating the administrative overhead of manual extranet updates and preventing overbookings.
How are transfers and tours dispatched?
When a transfer or localized tour is booked, the system automatically dispatches an immediate notification voucher containing all logistics info (pick-up coordinates, timetable, guest details) to the service provider’s dedicated dashboard and registered operational emails.
5. ASSISTANCE & COMPLIANCE
What happens in the event of a dispute or operational issue?
Ospito Consorzio a r.l. acts as the facilitating infrastructure manager. In the event of an operational anomaly on-site (e.g., transport delays, check-in issues), buyers and suppliers can utilize the emergency contact numbers listed on the booking voucher. Our dedicated back-office support team is available to mediate and ensure seamless service continuity.
Who handles billing and invoicing?
Invoicing procedures follow the standardized electronic billing (Fatturazione Elettronica) requirements under Italian law. Depending on the contractual framework selected during onboarding (Direct B2B or Merchant Model through the Consortium), invoices are generated and routed digitally via the SDI system.
OSPITO CONSORZIO